MEA condemns Pak's push for Khalistan separatism in Kartarpur video

Reacting to Pakistan’s official video of Kartarpur corridor which features Khalistan separatist Jarnail Bhindranwale, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday condemned Pakistan’s attempt in this regard. He contended that this violated the spirit under which the pilgrimage was going to be undertaken, moreover, stated that New Delhi had approached the opening of the Kartarpur corridor with an open mind as this involved the sentiments of the Sikh community. The aforesaid corridor, which is set to be inaugurated on November 9, will connect the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur, Pakistan. Nearly 5000 pilgrims from India shall be able to visit Kartarpur daily at a time when the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is being commemorated.  

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Kumar said, “We condemn Pakistan’s attempt to undermine the spirit under which the pilgrimage is supposed to be undertaken. We have lodged a strong protest with the Pakistani side on this matter. You know, from the beginning, we have gone ahead with this entire initiative with a very open mind, you know very constructively and very enthusiastically. Because we realised that it involved the sentiments of the Sikh community and also the members of other religions. It involved matters of faith.  

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Remove the objectionable video

The MEA spokesperson noted that Pakistan had assured the Indian side that it would not allow the proliferation of anti-India elements and propaganda during the pilgrimage. Kumar called upon Pakistan to stick to the spirit of the agreement. Furthermore, he demanded the removal of the objectionable video and other printed material, which was promoting anti-India propaganda.  

“We have been assured repeatedly by the Pakistani side during our discussions that they will not allow any anti-India elements, anti-India propaganda during the pilgrimage, during the event. They should stick to the spirit under which they have agreed to. And we also demand that they should remove the objectionable video and also some printed material which is being circulated promoting anti-India propaganda,” he remarked.  

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